Punjab Government Organizes Four ‘NRI Punjabian Nal Milni’ Events in February 2024 to Address NRI Concerns

Punjab to Host Four ‘NRI Punjabian Nal Milni’ Events in February 2024 to Address NRI Issues

Chandigarh, January 9: In an effort to address the concerns of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) from Punjab, the Punjab government under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann will host a series of four ‘NRI Punjabian Nal Milni’ events in February 2024. These gatherings, aimed at hearing and resolving issues specific to NRIs, will be held in Pathankot, SBS Nagar, Sangrur, and Ferozepur on February 3, 9, 16, and 22, respectively. Punjab’s NRI Affairs Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal shared the schedule in a press briefing, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to bridging the gap between NRIs and the government.

The first ‘Milni’ event will take place on February 3 in Pathankot, with the primary focus on NRIs from Pathankot, Amritsar, Gurdaspur, and Hoshiarpur. These meetings are designed as interactive sessions where grievances can be directly voiced and solutions sought from government officials. Minister Dhaliwal highlighted that this event will provide an effective platform for NRI Punjabis to express concerns related to property disputes, law and order issues, and other matters impacting the Punjabi diaspora.

The schedule for the subsequent meetings is as follows: On February 9, the event at SBS Nagar will cover complaints from NRIs from districts such as Rupnagar, Jalandhar, Kapurthala, and SAS Nagar. The February 16 event in Sangrur will address issues of NRIs from Sangrur, Patiala, Barnala, Fatehgarh Sahib, Malerkotla, Bathinda, Ludhiana, and Mansa. Finally, the February 22 gathering in Ferozepur will cater to NRIs from Ferozepur, Faridkot, Fazilka, Tarn Taran, Moga, and Sri Muktsar Sahib. Minister Dhaliwal reiterated the government’s dedication to resolving these issues promptly, showcasing its commitment to the welfare of overseas Punjabis.

To streamline the process and facilitate these events, NRI Punjabis are invited to register their grievances in advance through the department’s website (nri.punjab.gov.in) or WhatsApp number (9056009884). Registration for complaints will open on January 11 and close on January 30, 2024, ensuring that each concern is properly documented and can be addressed efficiently during the Milni programs.

Reflecting on past initiatives, Minister Dhaliwal noted the success of the five ‘NRI Punjabian Nal Milni’ meetings held in December 2022, during which the government effectively addressed 605 complaints. The Minister also commended the NRIs police wing, which operates 15 police stations designated for NRI matters across the district and state levels, for their ongoing efforts to manage and resolve complaints through online and in-person channels. The NRIs police wing has played an instrumental role in addressing NRI concerns quickly and effectively.

Minister Dhaliwal urged NRIs to participate in large numbers in these events, highlighting the value of direct interaction between NRIs and government representatives. He assured the diaspora that Punjab is fully committed to addressing their challenges and enhancing their connection to their homeland.

Senior officials, including Principal Secretary of the NRI Affairs Department, Mr. Dilip Kumar; ADGP NRI Mr. Praveen Kumar Sinha; Special Secretary NRI Mrs. Kanwalpreet Brar; and Mr. Paramjit Singh, were also present during the announcement. These officials are actively involved in the organization of the events, demonstrating the government’s commitment to facilitating positive outcomes for NRIs through transparent and accessible programs.